FREEHOLD, NJ - The Monmouth County Fair Committee announced the dates of the 36th Annual Monmouth County Fair. The dates and times are:

Wednesday, July 21 – 5 to 11pm

Thursday, July 22 – 5 to 11pm

Friday, July 23 – 5 to 11pm

Saturday, July 24 – 11am to 11pm

Sunday, July 25 – 11am to 6pm

The Fair’s 36th year will be filled with fun and excitement for people of all ages. Rick Royle, the 2010 Fair Chair, said that the Fair schedule would include “fireworks, a pie-eating contest, a lumberjack show, and 4-H events.” During the opening night of the Monmouth County Fair, the Monmouth County Park System will continue its yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary with fireworks (weather-permitting) and a cake decorating demonstration in the Home and Garden Tent.

TINTON FALLS, NJ – Find those sneakers, pre-register and safely donate online for The Arc of Monmouth’s 12th Annual Step Up For The Arc Walk, set for Saturday, May 15, 2010. A fun filled day is planned for people of all ages at Liberty Park II in Tinton Falls, which is wheelchair and stroller accessible.

The walk will take place in conjunction with The Arc of New Jersey and 19 other chapters of The Arc across the state. Our statewide sponsor is Hinkle, Fingles & Prior. On a local level, The Arc of Monmouth’s Gold Sponsors are the Anabel Foundation and IPPC Poets Pharmacy Inc. The Arc of Monmouth would like to thank all sponsors, both state and local, for their generous contributions.

ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS, NJ - Twelve local grade school students have been honored for their participation in the annual Arbor Day poster contest sponsored by the borough's Shade Tree Commission.

Four top winners were recognized in the state contest for fifth graders. They are Annelise Hackett, who won first place and received a certificate of merit, and Alex Paredes, who finished in second place. Both are pupils at the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School.

Louise I. Donoghue, commission chairman, also announced that two fifth graders at Mother Teresa Regional School have also been similarly honored with Kate Manning winning a certificate for first place and Claire Connelly finishing second.

Annelise Hackett (left) and Alex Paredes flank Mayor Frederick J. Rast II and Louise I. Donoghue, Shade Tree Commission chairman, after the two fifth graders received their awards from Rast and Superintendent Christopher Rooney in the annual statewide Arbor Day poster contest at an awards assembly at the Atlantic Highlands Elementary School Friday, Arbor Day. Photo by Peter E. Donoghue

Leonardo, NJ - On Thursday, April 29, the Leonardo Citizens Committee held its monthly meeting. The President of the committee, Andrew Bane, called to order the meeting. A number of topics were discussed. The first topic discussed was that of the committee making the Spring Plunge, which is held on the Leonardo Beach in mid-March, an annual fundraiser. This year it was held on March 20, and was a big success, where a good number of people participated in the event.

The 9/11 Memorial Wall, which once stood on the end of Concord Avenue by the Leonardo State Marina, was completely damaged by the storms that occurred in March. Many local residents are upset over this collapse. There was discussion of where the wall should be rebuilt. Some suggested Croydon Hall, others near the Middletown Train station, but it was pointed out, that the Middletown Memorial is located near the train station. More on the matter will be discussed at the next meeting.

The topic of tax appeals was discussed. Many residents on the bayshore had their taxes raised and are upset. Many of the people went to Freehold last year to appeal, but were not successful, and have moved on to the State level.

The last issue discussed was the subject of beach replenishment. Kenny Vu, a Burlington Avenue resident, reported he had attended an Army Corp of Engineers meeting two years ago, where such things as beach replenishment and seawall were discussed. No one had any current information on the Army Corps plans.

Lincroft, NJ - Volunteers interested in helping to preserve over 100 miles of Monmouth County Park System Trails and participating on National Trails Day, June 5, are invited to become part of the Park System’s trail maintenance corps. New volunteers are required to attend a training session prior to participating in trail workdays. The next trail maintenance training session will be held on Saturday, May 15, 2010 from 9 am-12 noon in the program room at Longstreet Farm, Holmdel Park, corner of Roberts and Longstreet Roads in Holmdel. There is no fee to attend this session. Please contact Karen Livingstone at 732-842-4000 x 4283 to register. For more detailed directions to Holmdel Park or to learn more about the Park System volunteer opportunities, please visit the Park System’s website: www.monmouthcountyparks.com. For persons with hearing impairment, the TTY/TDD number is 711.

National Trails Day is Saturday, June 5 at Holmdel Park. Contact Karen Livingstone at 732-842-4000 x4283 to register or for more information. Volunteer Crew Leader Gerry Lingner cuts back the brush along the Steeplechase Trail at Holmdel Park at last year’s event.

The Monmouth County Park System is celebrating its golden anniversary of keeping the county green and livable, since the Board of Chosen Freeholders created the first county park in 1960. Today, the Park System has grown to over 30 sites totaling more than 14,500 acres and offers approximately 4,000 recreation programs and activities, making it the perfect place to come outside and play.